There are so many things to write about the people and the places I have been to either for work or vacation. My thoughts and experiences are expressed here and they are mainly my personal observations . Some were funny, some sad, some eye opening.. It is not possible to explicate them all the time but the idea is to get an overview of the events that came to pass in my journeys.. enjoy..

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

I'm in the arts for the longest timeI'm still loving it, I'm still feeling fineFormal training I had in classical balletFrom 8 till 20 years of ageThe move to go commercial for sureSealed my decision to be a performer

Memorable events like meeting dignitaries globally, areThe best highlights of my career, by farMy travels are nothing short of spectacularShows were tiring, moving, funny and clever

An artiste's journey is a gameI'm in this not for money not for fameBut for rewards that are most clearlyContinued growth culturally and professionally.

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Today, as I sat in a cafe watching peopleTalking, eating, laughing and doing their thingI suddenly felt alone when a coupleWalked by lovingly,.... oblivious that the world is still revolvingSo many kinds of species make up this great kingdomAs I sat still I noticed the beautyOf trees swaying, birds flying and the freedomOf discovering and telling our own storyI realized that being alone can be frustratingA pain in the ass if we begin to acceptThat life's puzzle shouldn't be missingThe pieces that make us whole and perfectAfter some thought I have learned to discern thatBeing alone is the presence of oneself whileBeing lonely is the absence of the otherNow, with my sanity intact, I smileSo, being alone is not bad at allEspecially when friends pick up my tab at the cafe (hee hee)Thank God for family , should we fallBlessed with their strength we fly freeThe cycle of life continues to playIf it gets too hectic, just chill and be stillFor sure the sun will chase the moon awayA brand new day emerges, memory filledAs for they who spawned this poem, the loving coupleI wish them joy, happiness and cheerWe are all here to find love one way or the otherKudos to all those whose love can inspire

Monday, June 12, 2006

For two days at the Arts House, I did an event featuring a peranakan wedding. Theirs is a colorful culture that dates back two to three hundred years ago. It started when Chinese traders came to the Malay Peninsula. Many of them met and married the local Malays. The original Peranakans came from Malacca and in later years moved to Penang and Singapore. Throughout history the culture developed a language that was a mixture of Chinese and Malay. The women were matriachs and were strong and powerful.

When the British colonized both Singapore and Malaysia, the western influence started making its mark and the Peranakans' heritage was further diluted. The term ' Straits-born Chinese" was more familiar to the westerners than the word "Peranakan."

Assimilation eroded many beliefs and way of life of the Peranakans. The old world Peranakans were mainly Buddhists and Taoists but now many of them have become Christians and the belief of bygone days didn't much agree with their current faith . Moreover, modern trappings of society created a huge gap between the old and the young.

Efforts have been made to bring back as much of the culture as possible .

The instrument I was holding in the picture below is called a 'suona'. It is rather peculiar. A cross between a recorder and a trumpet. But don't be fooled by its small size. It is really loud and used to give musical renditions to traditional Peranakan weddings although it is a choice more than a must.The Peranakans are considered a minority In this sunny little island known as SingaporeMy friends are reviving its HERitage and HIStory Featuring dancing, singing and merry making

The Babas are the males, the Nyonyas, femalesThe culture is rich and colorful , evidentlyThe cuisine very sedap and recipes are for sale Beautiful beaded shoes are a must if you're a wannabe

Porcelain wares are an important part of householdsThe designs are a little different from the ChineseWith butterflies and phoenixes as the main symbolsBright yellow and pink, they are very priceyThe Peranakan wedding used to be a 12 days affairNow with modernization and inter marriagesThe sacred union is kept simple for the pairAnd elaborate customs have undergone some great changesIn the old days the bride and groom cannot smileSince it brought bad luck to their lives it was not an optionI suspect this hasn't been practiced for a whileBecause a celebration is a celebration is a celebration!For most clans, the Sarong Kebaya is preferredAlthough it was traditionally of Malay originHand sewn Chinese motifs that have been incorporatedMade this elegant outfit better than you can imagineAs with most lesser known cultures around the planetThe Peranakans are losing their foothold in the present societyWhile we cannot stop progress from diluting its numerous facetsWe can certainly do our best to preserve its legacy.